Vintage Lowell Draper Navajo Sterling Silver Matrix Turquoise Hair Bun Cover Chongo Tie

This vintage Native American hair bun cover, traditionally known as a chongo tie, is an exceptional example of authentic Southwestern silversmithing by renowned Diné artist Lowell Draper. Crafted in the 1970s from heavy-gauge sterling silver, the piece is anchored by three vibrant blue turquoise cabochons displaying the distinctive dark matrix veining characteristic of premium Kingman turquoise. The stones are securely set in smooth bezels that provide a striking contrast to the metal's heavy, unpolished patina.

Draper’s masterful tooling is evident in the hand-stamped scalloped edges, precise sawtooth borders, and sunburst motifs. Designed for secure wear, the cuff incorporates an overlapping flap with an adjustable peg-and-hole closure, while two oblong side slots were originally intended to house a hair stick to anchor the shield over a gathered bun. This signed silver wrap stands as a highly collectible and functional heirloom for curators of genuine vintage Native American jewelry.

Specs
Maker/Artist: Lowell Draper, Stamped LD
Year Made: 1970s
Materials: Sterling Silver, Kingman Turquoise
Dimensions: 3.25" W x 3.25" D x 0.5" H (Inner hole diameter is approximately 1.5")

Condition
This piece remains in structurally sound vintage condition with a heavy, unpolished tarnish and surface patina commensurate with age. The original hair stick for the side slots is missing, and minor surface scratches are present from careful prior use.